Boston Celtics (24-9) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (17-15)
January 2, 2025 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Minnesota Timberwolves +3.5; Over/Under: +221
(Get latest betting odds)
The Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves meet Thursday in NBA action at the Target Center. Here’s a Minnesota Timberwolves vs Boston Celtics Prediction. This article will include a Minnesota Timberwolves vs Boston Celtics Pick.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
The Boston Celtics lost to the Pacers, beat the Raptors, and play the Rockets, Thunder, and Nuggets next. The Boston Celtics are averaging 119.7 points on 46 percent shooting and allowing 108.9 points on 45.4 percent shooting. Jayson Tatum is averaging 28.3 points and 9.5 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown is averaging 24.4 points and 6 rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis is the third double-digit scorer and Derrick White is grabbing 4.6 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are shooting 36.8 percent from beyond the arc and 79.1 percent from the free throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 34.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45.5 rebounds per game.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Preview
The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Spurs, lost to the Thunder, and they play the Pistons, Clippers, and Pelicans next. The Minnesota Timberwolves are averaging 109.2 points on 45.9 percent shooting and allowing 107.4 points on 45.8 percent shooting. Anthony Edwards is averaging 24.8 points and 5.7 rebounds, while Julius Randle is averaging 19.9 points and 4.4 assists. Naz Reid is the third double-digit scorer and Rudy Gobert is grabbing 10.6 rebounds. The Minnesota Timberwolves are shooting 37.2 percent from beyond the arc and 78.6 percent from the free-throw line. The Minnesota Timberwolves are allowing 34.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.2 rebounds per game.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Boston Celtics Injury Report
The Timberwolves will be without Rob Dilligham, Luka Garza and Joe Ingles. Daishen Nix is questionable for the Timberwolves with an ankle injury.
Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Anton Watson are questionable for the Celtics. Brown is dealing with a shoulder injury, and Porzingis has already missed the last three games with an ankle injury.
Why the Minnesota Timberwolves will win
- The Timberwolves have won four of their last five games as home underdogs.
- The Celtics have lost four of their last five games as favorites following a win.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine games following a win.
- The Timberwolves have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games as underdogs following a road loss.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Celtics’ last four road games has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of the Timberwolves’ last six games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total points line.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Boston Celtics Prediction
This line is a little generous toward the Celtics when you consider they’re on the road and have a questionable Brown and Porzingis. The Celtics have already lost 4 of their last 6 games, easily their worst stretch of the season. The Minnesota Timberwolves have quietly shown some progress with wins in 3 of their last 4 games, and we know they’ll be up for this game as it’s a statement game. Beating the Celtics is noteworthy this season, and the Timberwolves could use a confidence boost. When the Celtics and Timberwolves played in November, the game was decided by two points.
This is a game the Timberwolves could win outright, especially if Brown or Porzingis can’t go. I’ll grab the free buckets.
